What is an Aspen card? Expand An Aspen card is a card that is used to give you weekly payments so that you can buy necessities. What you will need to buy depends on what kind of accommodation you are in (see How much money will I get on my Aspen card? below).
When will I get my Aspen card? Expand On dispersal if you are in receipt of cash or vouchers from the accommodation provider. If you are in full-board accommodation, you will get your Aspen card three weeks after your application for asylum support has been granted. If you are in self-catered accommodation, you will get your Aspen card as soon as you arrive at this accommodation.
How much money will I get on my Aspen card? Expand Money will be added to your Aspen card every Monday. The amount you receive depends on what kind of accommodation you are staying in: If you are in full-board initial accommodation (IA) or contingency accommodation you will receive £8.24 for each person in your household. This is so that you can buy clothes and footwear, non-prescription medicines and travel. If you are in self-catered initial accommodation or contingency accommodation you will receive £35.00 for each person in your household. This is so that you can buy clothes and footwear, non-prescription medicines, travel, food and non-alcoholic drinks. If you are in self-catered dispersal accommodation you will receive £40.85 for each person in your household. This is so that you can buy clothes and footwear, non-prescription medicines, travel, food, non-alcoholic drinks, toiletries, laundry, toilet paper and communications. If you are pregnant or have a child aged 1 to 3 you will receive an extra £3.00 each week. If you have a baby under 1 you will receive an extra £5.00 each week. This extra support is to buy health food.
How do I activate my Aspen card? / How can I start using my Aspen card? Expand Before you can use your card you must activate it by following these steps: Telephone 0800 246 1327 When prompted, select the appropriate language When prompted, choose Option 1: PIN reveal When prompted, key in the 16-digit number found on the front of your Aspen card When prompted, key in your date of birth in the format DDMMYY (for example, if your date of birth is 5 February 1975, enter 050275).
How do I check how much money I have on my Aspen card? Expand Telephone 0800 246 1327 When prompted, select the appropriate language When prompted, choose Option 2 When prompted, key in the 16-digit number found on the front of your Aspen card You will now be told the remaining balance on your Aspen card.
My Aspen card is lost / My Aspen card has been stolen Expand You can also call Migrant Help on 0808 8010 503, or raise an issue on our website here to report that your Aspen card is lost or stolen and ask for a replacement card. Telephone 0800 246 1327 to make sure the card is blocked and cannot be used by anybody else.
I have a problem using my Aspen card Expand Call Migrant Help on 0808 8010 503, or raise an issue on our website here.
I have a question or problem with payments on my Aspen card Expand Call Migrant Help on 0808 8010 503, or raise an issue on our website here.
Can I use my Aspen card at a cash machine (ATM)? Expand If you are receiving Section 95 Support you can withdraw up to £300 per week from a cash machine (also known as an ATM). You can also check your balance. We advise you to make sure that you are not using a cash machine that charges you to use its services. You will not be able to use the free-standing “Portal” cash machines that are often found in smaller shops. This video shows you how to use a cash machine (ATM) youtube.com/c/MigrantHelpUK If you are receiving Section 4 Support you can not use your Aspen card at a cash machine (ATM).
Can I use my Aspen card to shop on the internet? Expand No, the card cannot be used for purchasing goods on the internet.
Can I use my Aspen card to shop by telephone? Expand No, the card cannot be used for purchasing goods on by telephone.
Can I use my Aspen card to make contactless payments? Expand No, the card cannot be used for making contactless payments.
What happens if I don’t spend all the money on my Aspen card in one week? Expand Any remaining money will be carried over in your account, so that it is still available for you to spend.
How should I keep my Aspen card safe? Expand Keep your card safe at all times. Keep it with you. Do not write down your PIN or tell anyone what the number is.